6 things a biker should have in her garage

Wrenches, hex keys, and bags: six essentials that should never be missing in a motorcyclist’s garage.

1. Compressor

Noisy but essential for every motorcyclist, the compressor can be used in many ways on our motorcycle. For example, after washing it, the air jet will remove all those tiny less visible and hard-to-reach drops, avoiding stagnation, spots and rust. It will also be very important for inflating the tires, if you also buy a pressure gauge.

Pressure and flow are the two points to be considered when choosing a compressor. The higher the bar value, the greater the air delivered (i.e. the flow). The unit of measurement for the flow is l/min (liters per minute), but you can also find indications such as m³/s or cfm (imperial measure units). The higher the flow, the higher the efficiency and performance offered by the compressor. In our case, a compressor with a flow rate below 100 l/min may also be suitable.

2. Pressure Gauge

If correct itire nflation is so important, it will be equally important to have a pressure gauge. The inflation gun must be precise, easy to handle, and practical for frequent use. Avoid buying too cheap pressure gauges that may not measure accurately.

I chose an Italian-made pressure gauge that costs €60 approximately. The bar scale is easy to read and is particularly steady (if you’re interested, you can find it on several online sites with the name MICHELIN, Professional EURODAINU 2015 Inflating Gun). – Metrological accuracy in accordance with European standard UNI EN 12645:2014

Note: I advise against measuring the pressure at gas stations; often the inflation guns are damaged or worn due to the neglect of users. They are hardly reliable.

3. Motorcycle Stands

You will hardly be without one or two stands for your motorcycle in your garage. They are very useful when your motorcycle is in winter storage and have an affordable price. Motorcycle stands come in two types, front and rear, and can be purchased individually or as a pair. I always use the rear one to lift the tire and prevent it from touching the ground. What are they for? They help to prolong the life of the tires, prevent wheel ovalization (at least that’s what they say), and are also useful when you need to do some maintenance like cleaning and lubricating the chain, checking tension, etc.

Pay attention to the type of stand (or motorcycle lift) you buy: there are single-arm and double-arm stands. It must be universal (not for off-road motorcycles, which have a specific type) and robust. For this reason, I recommend not spending less than €130-€150 for a pair.

4. Chain Cleaning and Lubrication Kit

I might be obsessed with this, but I find cleaning my motorcycle chain truly cathartic, almost a meditative experience. Having a good ready-to-use kit can keep the transmission in good condition for longer. As you may know, chain lubrication is recommended every 500 km or after getting wet, after each wash, and depending on the road conditions. Cleaning, on the other hand, should ideally be done every 800/1000 km. Why clean the chain? Apart from making it last longer, a clean and lubricated chain creates less friction, thus reducing fuel consumption. And given the season, I would say it’s time to get to work right away. 

5. Motorcycle Cover

If there’s one thing I don’t like, it’s dust, and the only remedy to prevent it from “settling” on the motorcycle is to put a cover on it. But the cover is not only used to protect it from dirt. If it’s good quality, it will protect against accidental scratches, keep the plastics intact, and provide the best protection for the motorcycle. The one I chose is contoured, lined inside, breathable, and has a price of €150 approximately. There are many on the market. The important thing is to choose the right size and decide on the budget.

6. Battery Charger and Maintainer 

Essential if you don’t use the motorcycle for some time, such as when storing it for the winter. In my case, I extended the battery cables externally to avoid removing the seat, but it can be connected without problems with the eyelets or clamps provided. Keeping the battery charged and in good condition will help keep the motorcycle in good condition and avoid having to replace it often. 

In addition to these six items, don’t forget to have in the garage or box: cotton rags for cleaning the chain, microfiber cloths for the bodywork, trays and basins to collect grease and dirt in case of transmission cleaning, specific detergents, and disposable gloves.

And you, what can’t you do without in your garage? Tell us in the MissBiker community!